Retail chains face daily challenges in deploying staff effectively across multiple locations. Choosing the right scheduling tool is key to managing this complexity successfully and efficiently. Using three leading software solutions—Papershift, Gastromatic, and TeamUltim—we present a practical comparison of how multi-location scheduling can work in practice.
1. Clarity and Cross-Location Management
Papershift
Provides a central view of locations but with limited flexibility for switching between sites quickly.Switching locations within the app requires multiple clicks, which may slow down processes in larger store networks.
Gastromatic
Offers clear dashboards with a strong focus on hospitality and smaller teams.Cross-location scheduling is possible, but specific features for large retail chains are less developed.
TeamUltim
Seamlessly integrates cross-location views, allowing users to switch between locations with just a few clicks.Provides direct oversight of employees working across locations, making it easy to avoid double bookings.
2. Role-Based Scheduling
Papershift
Supports basic role-based assignments, though often requiring additional manual input.
Gastromatic
Good support for role-based scheduling, but tailored mainly to hospitality roles (e.g., kitchen, service).Fewer customisation options for typical retail roles (e.g., cashier, stockroom).
TeamUltim
Enables detailed role-based scheduling, specifically optimised for standard retail roles.Includes automatic role qualification checks for easy, error-free scheduling.
3. Flexibility for Last-Minute Changes
Papershift
Provides solid options for shift adjustments but offers limited automation for last-minute changes.
Gastromatic
Allows for short-notice adjustments, though cross-location coordination processes are more complex.
TeamUltim
Offers intuitive real-time management of spontaneous staff reallocations between locations.Automatically suggests replacements from other sites based on availability and qualifications.
4. Transparency and Employee Communication
Papershift
Mobile communication available, though occasionally limited by delayed app updates.
Gastromatic
Strong mobile communication tools, particularly suitable for smaller teams.
TeamUltim
Excellent mobile transparency, real-time notifications, and easy shift swaps through the app.Employees stay informed at all times about cross-location changes.
Case Study: Multi-Location Scheduling in Practice
A retail chain with five locations struggled with double bookings and communication gaps. After introducing TeamUltim, all locations were managed centrally, eliminating double bookings entirely. Management now benefits from real-time overviews, while employees report greater satisfaction thanks to mobile shift swap features.
Conclusion: Which Tool Is Best?
Papershift works well for straightforward multi-location scenarios with low complexity.
Gastromatic offers strong features but is mainly optimised for hospitality and smaller teams.
TeamUltim stands out for cross-location coordination with high flexibility, specialised role-based scheduling, and robust mobile communication.
TeamUltim provides a mature solution tailored to multi-location retail, reducing managerial workload and giving employees greater control over their schedules.
Learn more about how TeamUltim supports retail businesses here.
